BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

As we draw the Lent Term 2026 to a close at BCS, I find myself returning to a phrase that shaped my own schooling and continues to resonate with renewed force: Ad Majora Natus Sum, I was born for greater things. This is not a hollow motto, nor a decorative flourish of Latin. It is a conviction. It is a standard. And, this term more than any other, it has been unmistakably evident in the life of our School.

There are moments in a School term when one senses not merely participation, but elevation. The final week has been precisely that.

We began by celebrating the power of words through our House Poetry Slam, so expertly curated by Mr Brown and adjudicated with care and discernment by Mrs Foley. The standard was exceptional. Every pupil rose to the occasion, demonstrating both courage and craft. Particular congratulations must go to Zidaan (Year 3) and Hannah (Year 5), who now face the anxious anticipation of possible selection as national finalists at the Globe in London. Their achievement reflects not only individual talent, but a culture in which expression is nurtured and excellence expected.

Music, however, has perhaps most vividly embodied our collective spirit this term. The Year 5 and 6 Prelude Concert was a reminder that artistry and discipline, when combined, produce something profoundly moving. Under the inspired leadership of Mrs O’Malley, supported so ably by Mrs Creaton and Mrs Ho-Dawson, music at BCS is not simply flourishing; it is advancing with clear national ambition.

This trajectory was confirmed beyond doubt at Evensong last Sunday, where the Chapel Choir quite literally raised the roof. Their performance of Mozart’s Lacrymosa from Requiem in D minor, K.626, in collaboration with Sophia, our BCS Young Musician of the Year 2026, was nothing short of awe-inspiring. It is in moments such as these that one recognises the truth behind the assertion that we are setting standards that few can match.

And yet, music at BCS is not confined to the exceptional few. It is woven into the fabric of the whole School. The House Shout brought together every Prep pupil in an expression of joy, unity and spirited competition. It remains one of the most uplifting events in our calendar precisely because it belongs to everyone. Well done to Chandler House for being crowned the winners of the House Shout 2026! 

Equally powerful has been the sense of community that has characterised our Easter services. From Reception through to Year 6, it was a privilege to welcome so many parents into Chapel. The warmth, the togetherness, the shared reflection, these are not incidental features of School life. They are its foundation. They remind us that education, at its best, is a partnership rooted in shared values.

In that same spirit, our commitment to being an inclusive School was exemplified through the Eid enrichment experiences enjoyed by Year 1 and Year 4. Understanding and respecting the faiths of others is not an optional extra; it is essential to forming thoughtful, compassionate young people. This week, our pupils demonstrated precisely that.

The term concluded with the House Buddy event, thoughtfully directed by Mrs James. There is something deeply significant in the relationships formed between our youngest pupils and those in Year 6. The latter are not merely older children; they are role models, leaders, and, in many ways, the living embodiment of what it means to grow within the BCS community.

Our sense of purpose extends beyond our gates. The generosity shown in support of Birmingham City Mission through the ‘A Small Gift, A Big Smile’ Easter appeal has been remarkable. Each donated egg represents more than a simple act of giving; it reflects a culture of service and an understanding that we are called to support those who have less.

As one of our great British figures, Sir Winston Churchill, once observed, ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ That sentiment has been lived out in abundance this term.

Finally, on a personal note, I am delighted to welcome Mr Martin Allen as Bursar from the start of the Trinity Term. It has been both a privilege and a learning experience to serve in this dual capacity. Working alongside Mrs Wilkinson and Mrs Richards has been a source of both support and genuine enjoyment. With Mr Allen’s arrival, an exciting new chapter begins.

BCS is a school in motion, purposeful, ambitious, and grounded in values that matter. If this term has demonstrated anything, it is that our pupils do not merely aspire to greatness; they are already taking decisive steps towards it.

Ad Majora Natus Sum.

I wish you all a joyful and restful Easter.